Alligators Galore - Palatka 61.3 miles.

Last longish day of the trip. Funny to be pleased it is only a '60 mile' day. Set off early, before 7.00 am, as usual, and picked up the Gainsville/Hawthorne State Trail which was to be part of my route for 16 miles. Dave had said if we visited an off-shoot, the La Chua Trail we might see alligators. As I walked along it I met a local hiker, Danny, who knew the area well. He took me to a large pool and there were about 30 gators slumbering at the waters edge. They just looked like large logs, it was great to see them at last. He also said there were bison, deer and boar in the area. Antway, a cycle tour beckoned and I had to carry on. At Melrose Todd and Dave caught up with me and we stopped at a convenience store. They left before me and that's when I noticed I had a front flat, a farewell present from America. I was busy fixing it when who rolled in but Jon, the 'flat king'. I had found the hole in the tube but not the tyre. Jon squeezed the tyre and out flew a sliver of glass, he is my hero. Tyre fixed we headed off and just reached the motel in Palatka before the heavens opened and it poured down, hot rain and thundery. Some of the cyclists got caught 20 miles out. In the evening we went to a fish restaurant to celebrate our final night. Those of us, who have cycled EFI, ( every f..... inch ) were given rulers as a keepsake. Dave and Sean had bought us silly presents representing different aspects of the trip. Dan, a whoopee cushion, for strange noises in the night. Jon, a toy fishing rod, for trying but never catching any fish. Lisa, Little Miss Camper award for always being tidy about camp. Todd, a toy toolkit, as he was the gadget man. Robert M. washing powder for always shouting 'where's the laundry'. Dee, a toy alarm clock, for being first up. Merv, a spool, for winding up all his electrical cords. Robert C. an empty box to represent cleaning materials used on his bike. He oiled his chain twice. The Kiwi's, USA flag and Top Hat as they are so positive about everything American?? Lars, two soft toy dogs to practice his 'halt' aim. Me, a waffle making kit as I am the only person who goes into a Waffle House to put on weight. Most people there are already obese. We bought Dave and Sean one mile each of an ACA route, they will be given ownership certificates. Seemed appropriate. We had a great time, a good laugh, all were in good form, a fitting last night. So that is it, tomorrow,the last day of my big adventure, a short 40 miles to finish...think I might manage it don't you....still loving it.....

Photos of Aligators Slumbering

Hope you can make out the alligators. There are about 30 of them slumbering at the edge of this lake, they just look like logs. Photos taken about 7.30 am

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Getting Closer - Gainsville miles 75.8 miles.

This was a fairly long day passing through back roads of Florida. As it was the weekend there were a lot of 'Garage Sales' in front gardens - giving me ideas for selling my bric a brac at home. Stopped at Ichetucknee Springs State Park, beautiful crystal clear water. I haven't mentioned Robert C lately so some of you may be wondering how he is coping. Now that we are in the flatlands, no 'significant' hills, the answer is 'very well'. He is the first to leave, at sunrise, and the last to arrive but he completes every day. He has eaten his way across America, I have never seen someone consume so much food, he is constantly eating. Just before he arrived at the motel today he had a pint of ice-cream and 3 huge doughnuts, that after a beefburger lunch and an 'all you can eat' Chinese meal tonight. I think he must have put on 2 stone.  The good news is he is much happier although I think he will be glad to see the trip finished. We all seemed a bit subdued tonight, doing  things like signing the van, making leaving plans. Lisa didn't ride today but is fine and will probably ride tomorrow.   St. Augustine, where we finish, is America's oldest city, over 400 years old, an interesting place to visit. Tomorrow night we have our final night party so thankfully Tuesday is a short day of 40 miles. The plan is for us to assemble, all wearing our Southern Tier tops, 10 miles outside St Augustine. Together we will cycle to the Atlantic Ocean for the ceremonial dipping of front wheels in the sea. This will be goodbye, as some cyclists are being met by family and will be leaving soon after. My big adventure is nearly at an end....but still loving it.... 

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